1. The Zimbabwe Water Sector
ZIMSTAT & ZINWA

2. Background Initiated the water sector reforms
Initiated the Water Resources Management Strategy (WRMS) project in 1995
Changes to legislation
Institutional restructuring

3. WRMS Project Develop a water resources management strategy
Carry out diagnostic studies
Carry out pilot projects
Study visits

4. Legislation review Contentious areas of the 1976 Water Act
Granting of water rights in perpetuity
Use of priority date system
Use of the term water right
Concept of private water
The provision of exemption permits for pollution

5. Legislation review
Changes brought about by the Water Act Chapter 20:24 of 1998
Water rights renamed water permits and granted for a fixed period subject to renewal
Water rights no longer granted in perpetuity
Concept of private water abolished
Priority date system removed
Introduced stakeholder institutions
Provided for penalties to pollute with stiffer penalties for excessive pollution
Recognised the hydrological cycle as it relates to surface and groundwater
Recognises the environment as a legitimate user

6. INSTITUTIONAL RESTRUCTURING
ZINWA born out of the merger of DWD and RWA under the ZINWA Act
Catchment and subcatchment councils

7. Catchment Boundaries

8. Players in the Water Sector
Environment Management Agency
ZINWA
Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Management
Meteorological Office
Local authorities

9. Challenges in the Water Sector in Zimbabwe
Under capitalization of the sector to fully carry out its mandate enabling access to clean and safe drinking water.
Inability of the majority of consumers to service their bills on time.
National power supply challenges have resulted in reduced production.
Unavailability of water conveyance structures to deliver water from the dams to intended point of use.
Frequent breakdowns in the distribution systems due to non-maintenance of the systems

10. Challenges Cont’d
Inability to treat adequate water for urban, industrial & mining (UIM) uses and sewerage due to aged equipment and plant, and insufficient treatment capacity
Unavailability of funding for agricultural inputs for farmers resulting in low uptake of water from the dams
Limited capacity of contractors and suppliers to fully implement projects
Most of the materials and equipment has to be imported because they are not readily available on the local market leading to long delivery periods
The sector has suffered from severe brain drain.
overlapping responsibilities and lack of clarity among the various entities involved with service provision

11. Policies to address challenges
The sector has looked for donor support on the supply of water treatment chemicals as well as water quality testing equipment.
Engagement with debtors.
The power authority is prioritizing power supply to water and sewerage works.
Engagement of international contractors.
Donor support is being sought for capacity building and technical support.
Improved institutional arrangements in the sector.
Consideration of Private Public Partnerships

12. Water uptake

13. Water Accounting
Carried out an environment sector statistics assessment.
Plans to establish the programme this year.